Florida Guide > Places to Visit
5 Days in the Florida Keys
On our most recent visit to the villa we decided to take a trip down to the Keys. We wanted to share with you some of the interesting things we did and the best places we ate in. You may wish to take a visit too. . . . . .
We drove down on the US 27 which took about 6 hours to reach Key Largo. The trip was scenic with orchards of orange trees and lakes on the way.
We spent the first night at the manatee bay resort in Key Largo, which was very competitively priced accommodation with beautiful views of the keys and a fabulous sunset. The accommodation was basic but clean and had a private pool to cool down after our long car journey. We ate that evening at the famous Fish House. The Fish House specializes in fresh local seafood including yellowtail snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, Florida lobster, and stone crab. It was conveniently just across the road to our hotel.
On Friday we set off on the 2 hour drive to Key West.
We stopped for the morning at the Dolphin Research Center at Mile Marker 57 and took a boat ferry to the historic Pigeon Key in the afternoon. The boat and tour guided trip around the island took just 2 hours and cost $10 each. It was excellent value for money and a very picturesque island full of historical interest.
We spent 3 nights at Key Lime Inn. We would recommend room 37 if we stayed again as it had a porch overlooking the pool. The location of the inn was ideal being only a short walk to the historic old town of Key West. The highlight of our visit was Dinner at Turtle Kraals in the Tower Bar with the best food and service we had all vacation! ! ! The restaurant was situated in the historic seaport and was very modestly priced with a fantastic view after sunset.
Other memories include the Sunset at Mallory Square and from Sunset Bar. Excellent food at Pepe’s, Caroline Street. Welcome refreshments at the Hogs Breath Saloon, Green Parrott Bar and Sloppy Joe’s.
The Lighthouse & Treasure Museum are also worth a visit.
Our drive back to the villa from Key West took only 6 hours as we returned via the Florida Turnpike. We stopped at the “No Name Pub” on Big Pine Key before our journey home. . . . . . . . . . .
Here' s how to get there. . . At the Big Pine Key traffic signal on US 1 (there' s only one), turn north (take the left fork) onto Key Deer Blvd and drive about 1 ½ miles to the first major crossroads intersection (Watson Blvd. ) Turn right (east) on Watson Blvd and drive to the end of the road about ½ mile. Turn left and follow the road over the bridge and The No Name Pub is on the left. It' s easy to miss, so have your navigator keep his eyes peeled for an old pastel yellow building with aqua trim and a palm tree in front (Many of the buildings in the Keys seem to be painted with bold, tropical color schemes. ). The medium sized sign atop the building reads ' No Name Pub. . . You Found It' .
We have included some menus and information on the places we visited in our guest book.
Debbie & Dave, October 2009
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